Pesto-Peach Chicken Salad Wrap

Who doesn't like peaches? The question is how do you cook with them? Pesto-Peach Chicken Salad Wrap serves 4 (recipe found in Fitness Magazine July/August 2011) Great way to use up basil! 3 cups lightly packed fresh basil leaves 1/2 cup grated Parmesan 2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted 1 garlic clove, minced 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 2 tablespoons lemon juice 2 tablespoon olive oil 2 cups diced cooked chicken...

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Cherry Bomb Smoothie

Refreshing and hydrating and full of nutrients in one glass Cherry Bomb (recipe found in Women's Health July/August 2011) Blend 3/4 cup frozen cherries 1 kiwi, peeled and quartered 1/4 cup orange juice 1/2 cup coconut water 3/4 tsp agave nectar and 3 ice cubes Karl's reaction: "Is there spices in this? Why is my throat so itchy? I think you put spices in here!" My take: I put two kiwis in the mix instead of one and they overpowered a little...

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Thirsty? Two of my favorite cocktails of the month

Summer is hot and it's time to cool off I couldn't only pick wine this month. I know... What can I say, summer has been HOT (at least the past couple of weeks) and I have two favorite drinks of choice for the month of July. See below. Moosehead Light Lime and Riesling Last month I was craving red wine. This month I'm totally digging white. The reason I like Great Loop Mosel Riesling is it's not as sweet as your usual Riesling. It actually...

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Rhubarb Cake

What can I make with rhubarb? You're not alone if you find yourself asking the above question. I ask myself this all the time in the summer especially after I leave my grandparents with a brown bag filled to the brim with fresh rhubarb. Have no fear, Karl and I have found more than one use. We currently have rhubarb wine racked, homemade jelly waiting to be canned and the best cake you'll ever eat! And in honor of my 100th...

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Feeling stuck or running out of luck?

Time to brush off the muck! I knew I should have been a rapper or a song writer after that awesome title. Can't you just hear the beats now? No? Alrighty-o... I had a bad week. And, yes, I do have bad weeks as smiley and bubbly as I may appear. We all have those, right? The thing is I really shouldn't be having a bad week. I'm healthy. I have a job. The bills are paid on time. My husband is amazing....

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Corn and Quinoa Salad with Chicken Sausage

A tasty, healthy summer meal serves 4 (recipe found in Fitness Magazine, July/August 2011) Corn and Quinoa Salad with Chicken Sausage 3/4 cup uncooked quinoa 1 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth 3 tablespoons olive oil 8 ounces spicy chicken sausage, cut into chunks (I used Jennie-O turkey sausage) 1 medium onion, diced 1 large or 2 small zucchini, diced 2 1/2 cups corn kernels (about 4 ears) 2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 1/2...

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Where's a Good Place to Write?

Do you have a special place you like to write? For me, writing takes place in our dining/family room of our town home. (Yes, the walls are very bright but keep in mind Minnesota is very dark during the winter months. I need something to keep me going during the evil, cold seasons.) It's not the most ideal place but it does the trick. My goal for us is to one day buy a house with a nice backyard, an apple tree, a wrap-around...

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Sweet-and-Sour Chicken Skewers

Drop the takeout menu and make this Chinese delight on the grill serves 4 (recipe found in Women's Health July/August 2011) Chicken Skewers and Sweet Potatoes on the grill! Perfect summer recipe! 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size chunks 2 medium zucchini, cut into large chunks 2 cups large pineapple chunks, drained (fresh tastes awesome!) 1 Tbsp maple syrup 2 medium red onions, cut into large chunks 2...

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Tex-Mex Twist

Beef Stir-Fry with Avocado Salad serves 4 (recipe found in Fitness Magazine May 2011 and is Anna Berman's recipe) Beef Stir-Fry with Avocado Salad 12 ounces beef tenderloin, cut into thin strips 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice 1 TBS plus 1/2 tsp chili powder 1 TBS vegetable oil 1 medium sweet onion, thinly sliced 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 poblano, thinly sliced 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp black pepper 1 can black beans...

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